Update – this piece has been updated with an additional firm and news on bike changes so click here for the updated version.
If you’ve landed here from a google search about bike rental and just want an ordinary bike to help get around Tokyo then click here for some suggestions. Otherwise let’s take a closer look at road bike rental options in Japan, some have gravel options too.
GS Astuto
GS Astuto used to be based in the western suburbs of Tokyo and have recently moved away to Takasaki. It’s no bad thing as you can speed on the Shinkansen to Takasaki, take a connecting train and be at the shop in under two hours and then have the great roads of Gunma to explore right from the first pedal stroke as they’re based on the old Nakasendo road. Run by Tim, he knows everything there is to know about bikes and wheels and you can get custom service, you can swap wheels or stems, rent a saddlebag and more, plus Tim can give you lots of tips in English.
Giant
Bike manufacturer Giant has a network of stores in Japan. You can rent from ten of these as shown on the map above, including at both ends of the Shimanami Kaido. There is a range of bikes available and they can be reserved two months in advance. If you know when you will be visiting then put the opening day of the reservation window in your diary and book as early as you can. It’s got an English-language website although the shops don’t always have English-speaking staff and the network is good, plus you can rent for long periods. The downsides are the price is high for a multi-day trip and the bikes in different locations vary, they’re getting a bit dated now.
Splinster
Splinster is to bike rental as AirB&B is to accommodation, the idea is you rent a bike from someone who has a spare one. A nice idea but arranging a good road bike rental might be harder. If it’s worked for you, let me know.
Rapha
Clothing brand Rapha has a members’ club and subscribers can rent bikes from their clubhouse stores all over the world. There is one in Tokyo, another in Osaka. But being able to rent one doesn’t mean you’ll get a bike: they don’t have a big fleet and bikes are often booked up long in advance. But if you can plan far ahead then this is a good choice, you get high quality Canyon bikes for up to three days at a time. Both stores have downtown locations for an easy pick-up if you come in by train… but it means a long ride to get out of town.
Merida X-Base
Merida X-Base is the showroom for the Merida brand and all its bikes. It’s in Izunokuni on the Izu peninsular, a stroll from Takyō station. They have a big range of bikes and some great riding on their doorstep with the Izu peninsular but the reservation process is 100% Japanese. If you’re not fluent you can try to plod your way through the process using Google Translate and then hope for the best when you show up in person.
Chapter 2 at Gypsy Café
About half an hour from Tokyo on the Shinkansen is Odawara and the Gypsy Café is a short walk from the station. One of the co-founders is Michael Rice, who is also the agent for New Zealand bike brand Chapter 2 and a local cycling legend too. You can apparently rent Chapter 2 bikes for the day and they have gravel options and even suggested gravel routes. Contact Michael or Glen for more info, they offer accommodation, food and group rides too.
Red Bikes in Onomichi
Giant have a store in Onomichi but so does Red Bikes in the shōtengai shopping arcade.
Know Your Size
Some crucial advice: know your bike size. Put another way, if you are very tall then choices are limited. Without sidetracking into population data, average height in Japan is shorter than some western countries, typically 3-4cm for men. What this means is there are few bikes to rent for very tall riders, specifically any 58cm, 60cm versions (often L or XL, this depends a lot on the brand). But Astuto has some options here.
Travel Tips
- Rental is a great option if you don’t want to fly in with your bike and store your bike box etc
- There are several road bike rental options in Japan but book as early as you can as the fleets of bikes available are small
- Check the T&Cs as some have time limits, travel restrictions and so on. Their bike means their terms
- Bring your shoes and pedals and remember your saddle height to save time on set-up
